HC Deb 11 April 1968 vol 762 cc1568-9
18. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Postmaster-General if he will take steps to give complete independence to the British Broadcasting Corporation, and especially its overseas services, from governmental control or interference.

Mr. Mason

The B.B.C. already has complete responsibility for matters of programme content, in the external services as well as in the home services.

Mr. Hamilton

How, then, does my right hon. Friend explain the fact that Sir Anthony Eden, as Prime Minister in 1956, threatened to introduce legislation at the time of the Suez crisis to take over the B.B.C., and that had it not been for the firm management at the top of the B.B.C. e might have achieved that sinister objective?

Mr. Mason

I know that a book has been published alleging such things, but I cannot comment on the accuracy of Press reports emanating from it.

Mr. Boston

Will my right hon. Friend look at the rather hair-raising revelations contained in Mr. Harman Grisewood's recent book about the pressures applied to the B.B.C. by the then Conservative Government in 1956 during the Suez crisis? Does not my right hon. Friend blink that there is a very strong case for a thorough investigation into those revelations?

Mr. Mason

No, Sir, because the B.B.C. has always retained its independence in these matters.

Mr. Tilney

Does the freedom of the B.B.C. include the power to accept advertisements so as to relieve local ratepayers of the cost of a local radio service?

Mr. Mason

No, Sir.

Mr. Hamilton

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of those replies, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.